In a country rich in cultural heritage and diverse in its traditions, the handloom saree holds a special place, embodying centuries of skill, artistry, and passion. These exquisite pieces of fabric, woven meticulously by hand, are more than just garments; they are a testament to India’s vibrant textile history and a symbol of elegance and grace. Each saree tells a unique story, making it a cherished possession in every Indian woman’s wardrobe.
In this comprehensive guide, we journey through the vibrant landscape of Indian handloom, spotlighting the top handloom saree brands that have been charming us with their incredible craftsmanship.
From long-established brands that have become synonymous with quality and tradition, to newer entrants who are redefining the handloom landscape with innovative designs and sustainable practices, these brands showcase the very best of what Indian handloom has to offer.
Read on, as we unravel the distinct features, pros and cons, and price range of each brand, to help you discover the perfect handloom saree that resonates with your style.
The first handloom saree brand to grace our top 10 list is Suta Bombay, a brand that beautifully melds tradition with modernity. Founded by sisters Sujata and Taniya Biswas, Suta Bombay is a brand born out of love for simplicity and the inherent beauty of handloom fabrics. Rooted in Mumbai, Suta draws its essence from the looms of Bengal, sourcing ethically produced fabrics and translating them into trendy, comfortable sarees for the contemporary woman.
Suta’s handwoven sarees are characterized by their lightness, breathable fabrics, and charmingly minimalist designs. Each saree, a loving product of skilled weavers, tells a story of dedication, skill, and the joy of creation. Additionally, save more using Suta Coupons on online orders.
Unique Features
+ Exceptional Craftsmanship: Every Suta saree is handwoven by skilled artisans who pour their heart into each thread, resulting in a piece that’s just as unique as it is beautiful. + Eco-Friendly Materials: Suta utilizes natural, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and mulmul, contributing to sustainability and wearer comfort. + Simplistic Designs: Their minimalist designs make Suta sarees an excellent choice for those seeking understated elegance. + Versatility: Their sarees are perfect for any occasion, from a busy day at work to an evening party.
Pros: Lightweight and comfortable Minimalist, versatile designs Sustainable and eco-friendly practices
Cons: Limited design variety due to minimalist approach Higher price range due to handloom nature
Price Range: Suta sarees typically range from ₹2000 to ₹6000, reflecting their commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and ethical practices.
The second brand on our list is Fabindia, a household name in Indian textiles, revered for its vast range of products that encapsulate the essence of India. Established in 1960 by John Bissell, an American working in India, Fabindia started as an endeavor to showcase Indian handloom textiles to the world.
Today, Fabindia’s collection of handloom sarees stands testament to the country’s rich textile tradition. Their sarees, characterized by the perfect blend of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and quality materials, are a celebration of Indian craftsmanship. Fabindia has effectively bridged the gap between rural artisans and urban consumers, bringing the allure of handcrafted textiles to modern wardrobes. Additionally, save more using FabIndia Coupons on online store.
Unique Features
+ Wide Variety: Fabindia offers a broad selection of handloom sarees, from traditional silks to contemporary cotton blends. + Quality Craftsmanship: Each Fabindia saree is the product of skilled artisans who meticulously weave each thread to perfection. + Responsible Retailing: Fabindia operates on a model of inclusive capitalism, ensuring artisans are adequately compensated for their work.
Pros: Extensive range of designs and materials Ethical business practices Good value for money
Cons: Some designs may seem generic due to wide production Not all products are handcrafted
Price Range: The price range of Fabindia’s handloom sarees varies from around ₹2000 to ₹15,000, catering to a wide range of budgets.
Our next spotlight brand is Pothys, a brand synonymous with tradition, quality, and impeccable style. Established in 1923 by K.V. Pothy Moopanar in the vibrant city of Chennai, Pothys has been catering to the sartorial needs of India with its extensive range of sarees, among other products.
Pothys’ collection of handloom sarees exudes an unmatched elegance. Every piece is a testament to the immense talent of the artisans who spend countless hours weaving them. With an impressive variety of materials, from rich silk to comfortable cotton, Pothys has something to suit every taste and occasion.
Unique Features
+ Rich Heritage: Pothys’ handloom sarees reflect the brand’s nearly 100-year history of textile excellence. + Exquisite Craftsmanship: Every Pothys saree is a masterpiece, handcrafted with attention to the minutest detail. + Variety: The brand offers a vast range of handloom sarees, ensuring there’s a Pothys saree for everyone.
Pros: Extensive range of designs Durable and high-quality materials Decades of trust and excellence
Cons: Premium prices due to high-quality materials and craftsmanship Limited online availability
Price Range: The price range of Pothys’ handloom sarees can start from ₹3000 and go up to ₹50,000, offering a broad spectrum for different budgets.
As we continue our journey through the world of handloom sarees, we can’t miss Nalli – a brand that has been gracing the wardrobes of saree enthusiasts for over 90 years. Founded by Nalli Chinnasami Chetty in 1928, the brand has grown from a local household name in Chennai to an internationally recognized saree retailer.
Nalli is well-known for its exquisite range of handloom sarees. From the finest Kanchipuram silks to the softest cotton sarees, Nalli has a vast selection to cater to every preference. The brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and consistency in delivering beautiful, handcrafted pieces has earned it a loyal customer base globally.
Unique Features
+ Trusted Quality: With nearly a century in the textile industry, Nalli’s handloom sarees guarantee high quality. + Wide Range: Nalli offers a diverse range of sarees, from traditional Kanchipuram silks to everyday cotton handlooms. + Global Presence: Nalli’s international reach ensures that Indian handlooms are accessible to customers worldwide.
Pros: High-quality materials and craftsmanship Extensive range of styles and designs Globally recognized brand
Cons: Premium pricing due to high-quality materials Some traditional designs might not appeal to modern tastes
Price Range: Nalli handloom sarees range from approximately ₹2,500 to over ₹1,00,000, a testament to the exceptional quality and craftsmanship they offer.
Next in our list of top 10 best handloom saree brands is Chettinad Thari, a brand that truly captures the essence of Chettinad weaving in their beautiful sarees. Hailing from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage, Chettinad Thari brings this cultural richness to their handloom sarees.
Each saree from Chettinad Thari is woven with care and precision by skilled artisans. The brand’s commitment to preserving traditional weaving techniques, while experimenting with contemporary designs, results in sarees that are both classic and trendy.
Unique Features
+ Authentic Chettinad Weaving: Each saree showcases the traditional Chettinad weaving technique, known for its robust fabric and vibrant designs. + Artisan-Crafted: Chettinad Thari’s sarees are handwoven by local artisans, ensuring every piece is unique. + Traditional with a Modern Twist: The brand combines traditional designs with modern aesthetics, creating sarees that appeal to all generations.
Pros: Unique, robust designs Authentic artisan craftsmanship Combination of traditional and contemporary styles
Cons: Limited variety compared to larger brands May be perceived as too traditional for some tastes
Price Range: Chettinad Thari’s handloom sarees typically range from ₹2,000 to ₹8,000, offering great value for their unique, artisanal quality.
When it comes to marrying traditional craftsmanship with contemporary designs, Raw Mango stands out. Founded by Sanjay Garg in 2008, Raw Mango has rapidly gained recognition for its modern interpretation of traditional textiles. This Delhi-based brand has revolutionized the way we perceive handloom sarees, introducing a fresh, minimalist aesthetic that appeals to the modern woman.
Raw Mango’s handloom sarees are known for their vibrant colors, simple yet sophisticated designs, and pure, handwoven fabrics. Each piece speaks volumes about the brand’s commitment to celebrating India’s textile traditions while pushing the boundaries of design.
Unique Features
+ Modern Interpretations: Raw Mango brings a fresh perspective to traditional textiles, creating designs that resonate with the modern woman. + Quality Craftsmanship: Each saree is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring high quality and longevity. + Vibrant Colors: The brand is known for their use of vibrant, unconventional colors that make their sarees stand out.
Pros: Contemporary, innovative designs High-quality, handwoven fabrics Extensive variety of color options
Cons: Premium pricing due to quality and design Limited availability and stock due to handcrafted nature
Price Range: The price of Raw Mango’s handloom sarees ranges from approximately ₹10,000 to ₹50,000, reflecting their premium quality and unique designs.
Coming up next is Anavila, a brand that stands as a beacon of simplicity and elegance in the world of handloom sarees. Founded by Anavila Misra, a NIFT graduate with a passion for textiles, Anavila is known for its minimalist, chic sarees that exude a sense of tranquility and earthiness.
Anavila sarees are handcrafted using natural textiles like linen, cotton, and silk. Their designs, characterized by muted tones, delicate prints, and an understated elegance, are a breath of fresh air in the realm of Indian textiles.
Unique Features
+ Minimalist Designs: Anavila is known for its minimalist, simple designs that allow the natural beauty of the handloom fabrics to shine. + Natural Textiles: The brand focuses on using natural textiles, mainly linen, which adds to the comfort and eco-friendliness of their sarees. + Sustainable Practices: Anavila is committed to sustainable and ethical fashion, promoting handloom textiles and ensuring fair wages for artisans.
House of Taamara is our next stop in this handloom journey. Based in Bangalore, this brand is a love note to handloom traditions, creating sarees that are nothing short of art. The founders, mother-daughter duo Jyothsna and Shreya, embarked on a quest to bring back the charm of handloom sarees, resulting in the birth of House of Taamara.
Their handloom sarees are a celebration of Indian weaving techniques. Using pure, handwoven fabrics and traditional methods, each House of Taamara saree carries a piece of history woven into its threads.
Unique Features + Emphasis on Tradition: House of Taamara focuses on traditional weaving techniques, creating sarees that resonate with history. + Pure Handloom Fabrics: The brand uses 100% handloom fabrics, ensuring quality and authenticity. + Wide Range of Designs: From Ikat to Kanjivaram, they offer a diverse range of traditional designs.
Pros: Authentic, traditional designs High-quality handloom fabrics Wide variety of styles and designs
Cons: May not appeal to those seeking contemporary designs Premium pricing due to handloom nature
Price Range: House of Taamara’s handloom sarees range from ₹3,000 to over ₹15,000, reflecting their commitment to quality and tradition.
Making a mark at the ninth position in our list is Gocoop, a brand that is not only a marketplace for handloom sarees but also a platform that connects weavers and artisans to consumers directly. Founded by Siva Devireddy, Gocoop revolutionizes the way we perceive and buy handloom sarees by championing the cause of fair trade.
Gocoop showcases a plethora of handloom sarees sourced directly from the weavers. Their platform brings the diverse weaves of India under one roof, ensuring that you can find a saree that fits your aesthetic while supporting the artisans who create these exquisite pieces.
Unique Features + Direct from Weavers: Gocoop sources their sarees directly from weavers, ensuring authenticity and fair pricing. + Diversity of Choice: With sarees from across India, Gocoop offers a broad range of designs, styles, and materials. + Fair Trade: Gocoop is committed to fair trade practices, ensuring that weavers receive fair compensation for their work.
Pros: Extensive range of designs and materials Fair pricing due to direct sourcing Supports fair trade and artisanal communities
Cons: Quality may vary as products come from various weavers Limited curated collections compared to other brands
Price Range: Gocoop handloom sarees can start from as low as ₹1,500 and go up to ₹20,000, catering to a wide range of budgets.
Finally, we arrive at Unnati Silks, a brand that has been upholding the tradition of Indian handloom sarees for over three decades. Founded in 1980, Unnati Silks started as a small endeavor to bring handloom sarees to the market. Today, it has evolved into a brand that showcases the diverse textile heritage of India through its extensive collection of sarees.
Unnati Silks’ collection boasts a range of sarees from across India. Each piece is carefully sourced, ensuring the quality and authenticity of the handloom. The brand’s dedication to celebrating and preserving India’s textile traditions makes it an excellent choice for handloom saree enthusiasts.
Unique Features + Extensive Collection: Unnati Silks offers a wide range of handloom sarees from across India, catering to diverse tastes. + Long-Standing Reputation: With over 30 years in the industry, the brand assures trusted quality and service. + Handpicked Sarees: Each saree is carefully chosen to ensure the best quality and craftsmanship.
Pros: Wide variety of designs and styles High-quality handloom fabrics Reliable service and quality due to long-standing reputation
Cons: Limited contemporary designs Online shopping experience may differ from physical stores
Price Range: The price range for Unnati Silks’ handloom sarees starts from approximately ₹2,000 and can go up to ₹15,000, offering a wide range for different budgets.
Why Handloom Sarees?
Handloom sarees are a timeless symbol of Indian heritage and culture. They represent a centuries-old tradition, deeply embedded in the hearts and lives of countless artisans who painstakingly weave these elegant pieces of art, thread by thread.
Every handloom saree is an exquisite embodiment of human skill and creativity, a vibrant canvas that tells a story of a rich history, infused with love, patience, and unparalleled craftsmanship. In this article, we will explore the best handloom saree brands that carry forward this proud tradition, offering unrivaled quality, unique designs, and a touch of luxury.
As we wrap up our journey through the vibrant world of Indian handloom sarees, it becomes clear that each brand offers something unique and beautiful. Each saree, handcrafted with passion and skill, is not just a garment but a piece of wearable art that carries with it a rich legacy of Indian craftsmanship.
Whether you prefer the modern elegance of Suta or the timeless charm of brands like Pothys and Nalli, the diversity of styles and designs ensures there’s something for everyone.
The ten brands we’ve spotlighted in this guide represent the very best of Indian handloom. But beyond the aesthetics, purchasing a handloom saree supports the artisans who painstakingly weave each thread with dedication and precision.
So, the next time you adorn a handloom saree, remember that you are not just making a fashion statement but also contributing to the preservation of an age-old tradition. Your choice empowers artisans, sustains the craft, and helps keep the rich tapestry of Indian handloom alive. Happy handloom hunting!
Rajat Singh, a versatile author with a decade of experience, explores every niche with unique insights, from tech and health to lifestyle and business.
